90. Man-Made Devil Fruit Successfully Developed

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"As expected of a Alexando!"

Flying high above the sea, most of the Tontatta Tribe had gathered in the watchtower of the warship, peering down at the vast world below. Having rarely ventured beyond their homeland, the little people were filled with boundless curiosity, much like Yamato during her first voyage.

Meanwhile, Alex was not outside but in a room within the ship, watching the adorable Princess Mansherry. Her radiant blonde hair gleamed as she cried softly, her head lowered. Crystal-clear tears, imbued with her healing ability, fell from her large, glistening eyes and landed on the two figures lying in bed—Law and Lami.

These weren't ordinary tears. They were the miraculous product of the Heal-Heal Fruit, capable of mending even the gravest wounds.

"How does it feel?" Alex asked.

"The pain is gone. My body feels normal again, though there are still some white scars," Law replied after assessing his condition. Lami echoed her brother's sentiment.

Mansherry wiped her eyes, then looked up at Alex with concern. "There's a deeper root to the illness. Are you sure you don't want me to heal it completely?"

"That's enough for now."

Alex bent slightly and gently patted Mansherry's tiny head before turning his gaze to the siblings. "As long as their conditions are stable, that's all I need. I already have access to the necessary resources, and soon, I'll use another Devil Fruit to cure both Law and Lami completely."

The Heal-Heal Fruit's ultimate ability could regenerate even what seemed beyond repair—but at the cost of Mansherry's lifespan. While Alex admired the fruit's power, he had no intention of wasting her life force on this. His sights were set on the Op-Op Fruit, which he fully intended to acquire.

Law's natural aptitude meant he had the potential to awaken the Op-Op Fruit's abilities, making even the "Ultimate Surgery" a possibility in the future.

"I value you greatly," Alex added, his tone firm.

Though Law had no idea of Alex's deeper plans, the words filled him with gratitude.

Mansherry, wiping her remaining tears, beamed up at Alex. "You mean the same fruits that Leo and I ate?"

"That's right," Alex confirmed, smiling warmly. "These fruits grant extraordinary abilities to those lucky enough to receive them. Your ability, Mansherry, is truly remarkable."

The little princess flushed like a shy kitten under his praise. "Thank you, but if Alexlando needs anything, I'll do my best to help!"

"Me too! Me too!" Leo and the other Tontatta Tribe members chimed in enthusiastically, eager to assist.

Alex chuckled at their energy. "Don't worry, your help will be invaluable when we return to my nation."

His words sent the Tontatta Tribe into a flurry of excitement. In the spirit of celebration, they spontaneously organized a banquet in the ship's cabin. Even the usually reserved Lami dragged Law along to join the festivities.

"What a simple and charming race," Gion remarked with a smile before turning to Alex. "Though spending time with you, I've gained a much deeper understanding of how cunning you truly are."

Alex shrugged nonchalantly. "This is part of adapting to a new role. If I hadn't mastered the art of being bad when necessary, how do you think I rose from obscurity to become one of the Four Emperors?"

He smirked, then added, "And beyond being a Yonko, don't forget—I'm also a shrewd ruler managing a thriving nation."

Gion said understood that sentence after she arrived in Wanokuni and roamed there.

The people were harmonious, the sense of community was strong, and the towns bustled with life and prosperity. Knowledge and technology flourished, and the nation exuded a high level of cohesion. This was Gion's impression of the country Alex had built.

For the former Marine Vice Admiral, this was nothing short of astonishing. Having been familiar with the franchise nations under the World Government, Gion knew all too well the stark contrast Wanokuni had presented just a few years ago—a lawless, isolationist land, backward in every aspect except sheer military might.

Even more surprising was how seamlessly the Tontatta Tribe had integrated into this society. Despite their natural curiosity, they hadn't caused any troublesome incidents, blending in harmoniously with the local populace. Witnessing this, Gion found herself gradually developing a sense of respect—and even loyalty—toward Alex.

In time, Gion embraced Alex's guidance to refine her swordsmanship, recognizing that in this land of samurai, her strength had room to grow. While she hadn't yet reached the level of a great swordsman, her progress was swift. After just a few months, her abilities rose to what Alex considered worthy of royalty.

Beyond Gion's integration into the retainers' affairs, one of the greatest successes of the past months was the culmination of years of research on artificial Devil Fruits. At last, the first fully functional product had been created.

"Shurororo!"

Caeser cackled wildly, his body trembling with excitement as if his own brilliance were intoxicating.

"Master Alex! I've done it—behold! The man-made Devil Fruit—SMILE—was born from my genius!"

Caeser held up a storage bottle containing a fruit marked by vibrant, swirling patterns, his pride radiating as the assembled scientists looked on in awe.

"And what abilities does it grant?" Alex asked, examining the SMILE fruit with a sharp gaze.

Caeser puffed up with satisfaction. "This particular fruit was created using the bloodline factor of a bull. Whoever consumes it, provided they don't fail, will gain the strength of a bull!"

Alex nodded, then turned to Robin. "Bring a prisoner from Udon," he instructed. Robin, utilizing her Flower-Flower Fruit powers, relayed his command.

Though Wanokuni had flourished under Alex's rule, no nation was without its share of criminals. The Udon prison, where offenders and captured pirates were used as labor, was still in operation.

Before long, a pirate with tattoos marking his former crew was brought into the laboratory. Caeser wasted no time, slicing the SMILE fruit into small pieces and forcing the fragments into the prisoner's mouth.

The man let out a pained wail as his body began to transform. His limbs morphed into the powerful legs and arms of a bull, his head retained human features but sprouted horns and developed a bull-like snout.

Scientists immediately surrounded him, attaching various instruments to measure his transformation. When the data confirmed that the fruit had worked successfully, they withdrew, nodding with approval.

The experiment was a resounding success.

Alex, who had been recording the entire process on a Den Den Mushi, handed the device back to Robin before turning his attention to Caeser.

"With the SMILE project now complete, it's time to take things further," Alex said, his tone firm. "I want you to refine the process. Explore how the essence of natural Devil Fruits can be integrated perfectly into these artificial creations."

Caeser's eyes gleamed at the challenge, nodding eagerly.

After all, Alex had been fortunate to obtain the Millet-Millet Fruit.